Sherlock’s third series ‘to be the last’ due to stars’ Hollywood success

Reports have surfaced that the third series of Sherlock could be the final outing for the sleuth as its stars Benedict Cumberbatch and
Martin Freeman are enjoying growing film careers.

Sherlock could be bowing out after its third series (Picture: BBC)

Freeman will be making the move to the big screen in Peter Jackson ‘s trilogy The Hobbit – the first film of which hits cinemas at the end of this year – and there are rumours that the actor will be in demand by big-wig Hollywood producers.

Likewise, Cumberbatch is also appearing as Smaug in the trilogy, and has taken on the bad guy role in the sequel to the highly successful Star Trek remake.

Both films are likely to see the actors’ careers take off and there are suggestions that as a result, they will not find the time to film another series of Sherlock.

A source told The Daily Express: ‘With both Cumberbatch and Freeman now enjoying flourishing film careers, there are no plans for further episodes beyond that, with insiders admitting that the forthcoming series is likely to be the actors’ final outing in the famous roles.’Benedict and Martin love Sherlock. It’s been fabulous for both of them but it’s a question of schedules.’

They added: ‘No doubt they will be signing off in style.’

However, it would seem that neither Martin or Benedict are ready to give up the BAFTA-nominated drama series just yet, with Freeman recently saying his raring to go with filming.

‘We film in January until about April I think,’ he said, ‘It’s a pleasure for us to do, we love it!’